Your Child's Safety
Five Easy Steps
1. When is a boo-boo more than just a boo-boo?
Imagine this: you are in the other room just after you put your newborn down for a nap. As you are folding laundry, you hear a thud and all of a sudden hear cries coming from your baby's room. You rush up the stairs and you find you child lying on the floor with bright red blood gushing from a gash on their head. Panic starts to set in and you begin to shake, you reach for the phone and pause for a minute. You think: “Should I call 9-1-1? Do I need an ambulance? Should I just drive my child? Is it really that bad?”
2. Get trained, Stay Trained!
While something like this can be startling to any parent, taking action before an emergency strikes will better prepare parents to care for their child in an emergency. In the months prior to having a baby, many parents take classes on how to care for their children and how to ensure a smooth birthing process. Many parents often overlook first aid and CPR classes until their child is injured or sick. Today's parents should be sure to take the time to learn what to do before an emergency strikes and their child needs help. First aid and CPR classes can be taken through local training agencies such as fire departments or hospitals. CPR parties among new or expectant parents have become an increasingly popular option for receiving CPR and first aid training. A CPR party can teach parents life saving skills in both CPR and first aid in only a few hours. Your local private emergency preparedness training company can help you in hosting a CPR party for friends and families.
3. Purchase First Aid Kits
Training is useless without having the proper first aid equipment available. Every home should have a basic first aid kit handy in the house, car, and on-the-go. Basic first aid kits can be purchased at local retailers specializing in health and baby products. Parents can also build a first aid kit from some basic supplies purchased on the Internet or at health and beauty stores. In addition to the contents listed below, every household should purchase a first aid manual or talking first aid instruction device. The latter product is essential for panic stricken situations relating to child injuries. SafetyMate for the New Parent is the simplest first aid instruction device to ensure that you help your child as best you can.
4. Contents of a First Aid Kit
| • sterile gauze • medical adhesive tape • adhesive bandages in several sizes • elastic bandage • antiseptic wipes • antibiotic cream (triple-antibiotic ointment) • antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide) |
• hydrocortisone cream (1%) • acetaminophen • ibuprofen • aspirin • tweezers • bandage scissors • safety pins |
• disposable instant cold packs • calamine lotion • alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol • thermometer • disposable gloves (at least 2 pairs) • mouthpiece for administering CPR • list of emergency phone numbers |
5. Keeping it Together
It is important to remember that in an emergency remain calm. If you are not sure how serious your child's injuries are call 9-1-1. Emergency services are there to help and can better assess and treat your child. To better prepare for medical emergencies that happen in the home, take a class in CPR and First Aid before your baby arrives. Every family should make sure they have a first aid kit ready. Most importantly, be safe and watch your child. The best way to avoid using anything in your first aid kit is to supervise your child. Many parents are surprised at how many accidents happen when their child is out of sight.
